The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended till June 27 interim bail for former Tehelka magazine editor Tarun Tejpal in the sexual assault case lodged by a former employee of the group.
A bench of Justices J S Khehar and C Nagappan said the court was satisfied that the interim bail granted to Tejpal on May 19 should be extended to enable him perform the rituals following his mother’s demise.
The court also questioned Goa police as to why it wanted Tejpal in jail if investigation in the case was over.
The counsel for Goa police opposed the plea for extension of bail, contending there were apprehensions of Tejpal influencing the witnesses and tampering with the evidence if granted the reprieve.
The bench however allowed Tejpal’s request partially and extended his bail till June 27. He had sought an extension by six weeks.
Tejpal had sought for extension of his interim bail on the ground that his presence was required at home following the death of his mother.
His counsel also told the court that despite being granted interim bail, Tejpal could not attend the funeral of his mother.
The court had on May 19 granted him interim bail for three weeks to enable him to attend the cremation of his mother, who had died on May 18, and subsequent rituals.
(Source: PTI)
